Project Manager, New Product Development

About the role

This position manages the internal New Product Development (NPP) production launch process, from Production Design (Gate 50) through Ready to Ship Authorization (Gate 90) for Houston- and Marengo-built products. Responsibilities include managing an inter-department Cross Functional Team (CFT) to achieve project deliverables, including project schedule creation and management, preproduction build, UL certification, EMC testing, PET testing, production start-up, technical publications completion, parts service setup, and RTS sign-off. Additional responsibilities include life-cycle project management of non-NPP projects from project initiation to closure.

Responsibilities

• Manage the New Product Development (NPP) production launch process from Product Design Approval (Gate 50) through Ready to Ship Authorization (RTS) (Gate 90) for Houston and Marengo-built products.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the product development process, including requirements development, technical design, manufacturing, assembly, validation, and product release stages.
• Apply project management methodology, including analyzing and managing project risk, and minimizing financial exposure.
• Create and maintain project master schedules.
• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of a project and scope.
• Ensure project documents are complete, up to date, and stored appropriately.
• Set priorities for internal engineering and contracted resources.
• Anticipate potential schedule delays and plan alternative actions as needed.
• Rearrange competing priorities to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Coordinate the efforts of the engineering, sales, and production departments to ensure programs are conducted in accordance with the requirements of sales orders and budgets.
• Communicate cross-functionally between departments to ensure all parties involved are informed and up to date on project changes and delays.
• Advise Company management of the program statuses on a regular basis.

Qualifications

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5-10 years of experience in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, or Project Management.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build solid business relationships, both internal and external.
• Effective communication skills (written & oral).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Project).
• Utilize Project Management tools to maximize team efficiency and productivity.
• Understanding of bills of material and drawing interpretation.

What would be nice to have:

• Understanding of company ERP systems: BPCS/LX & AX.
• Understanding of company CRM and Sales Order Systems: Experlogix & LiftNet 2.0.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Knowledge of the industry and forklift truck products, features, and applications.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule (3 days in office) with minimal travel required to support NPP activities and travel to the Marengo campus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Holiday.
• Profit Sharing Opportunities.
• Flexible Spending and HSA Accounts.
• 401k with automatic company contribution and company match.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Life, Dependent Life, and AD&D Insurance.
• Paid Parental Leave (Includes 6-8 weeks of maternity leave and 5 days of paternity leave).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee Discounts.
• On-site fitness center (Houston).
• On-the-job training and development.

Pay

The salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $125,000 annually. The specific salary for a successful candidate will depend upon, among other legitimate factors, education, training, and/or experience.